OG Anunoby had another subdued offensive performance, something he’s experienced frequently. He did, however, make some pivotal shots in Game 1 against the Pacers, contributing to a 14-0 run for the Knicks that helped push their lead to 17 points in the fourth quarter.
Unfortunately, Anunoby also played a part in the Knicks’ dramatic collapse during the 138-135 overtime defeat that left them in a state of disarray.
He wasn’t alone; several Knicks missed crucial free throws as the game wound down. Anunoby also had turnovers in overtime, which interrupted the enthusiastic chants of “OG, OG” from the crowd at Madison Square Garden earlier in the fourth.
“They made their shots while we missed ours. We had some lapses and couldn’t hit free throws,” Anunoby commented post-game. “They just kept shooting, and we got a bit cold. That’s how it goes sometimes.”
With the Knicks clinging to a two-point lead about two minutes before the end, Anunoby knocked down a three-pointer and then soared through traffic for a layup, stretching the lead to seven.
The crowd at MSG continued to cheer Anunoby on. While he only logged six points through the first three quarters, he finished with 16 points in total over 42 minutes.
Shortly after, strong defense from Miles McBride and a surge from Karl Anthony Towns pushed the Knicks to an 111-94 lead with less than seven minutes remaining.
However, Aaron Nesmith, channeling his inner Reggie Miller, led the Pacers with six three-pointers and 20 points in the second half, while Tyrese Haliburton sank a game-tying jumper just before regulation ended.
Anunoby also made three steals and blocked three shots, adding another layup in the fourth and two more points in the extra period.
Historically, the Knicks have struggled when Anunoby scores below 20 points; they fell to 2-5 in those playoff games, an interesting contrast to their earlier success with him scoring more.
Anunoby, at 27 and a former college player in Indiana, was one of the regulars who sat out last year’s playoff loss to the Pacers due to a hamstring injury he sustained during Game 2.
Despite these challenges, Anunoby remains focused on moving forward. “You can’t dwell on it,” he said. “It’s all about the next opportunity. I try to take care of myself with proper nutrition and fitness.”
